America’s affordable housing crisis affects every county in the country, without exception. Since 2000, rents have increased all over the country, which, in turn, increases the number of families in desperate need of an affordable place to live (Capps, 2015). For housing to be affordable, it should not cost more than 30% of a family’s income (Emmons, 2000). In 2013, only 28 of every 100 low-income families could afford their homes, which was a decline of 25% from the previous decade (Capps, 2015). Similarly , 1 in 4 renters are currently paying more than 50% of their income on housing (Kotin, 2013), and America is short more than 5.3 million affordable housing units (Emmons, 2000). Affordable and safe housing needs to be available to everyone because it positively impacts childhood development, individual self-esteem, and family well-being. For housing to be affordable (Emmons, 2000).
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